Iran's Supreme Leader has warned the United States that if America launches an attack on Iran, it will provoke a regional war. This comes amid reports that the U.S. has already deployed warships in the Arabian Sea.
Foreign news agencies reported on 1 Feb 2026 that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader, warned that any U.S. attack would trigger conflicts across the entire region, while the Washington government continues to reinforce its military presence near Iran.
Iran's semi-official Tasnim News Agency quoted Khamenei saying, “The Americans should understand that if they start a war, this time it will become a regional war.”
Meanwhile, Donald Trump previously stated that Iran is in a phase of “serious discussions” and he hopes these talks will produce an “acceptable” outcome. Ali Larijani, a senior Iranian security official, also said that negotiation frameworks are making progress.
Trump threatened intervention over Iran's nuclear ambitions and the violent crackdown on anti-government protesters that led to thousands of deaths in January.
On Thursday, 29 Jan, the U.S. leader said he had told Iran there were two things to do to avoid military confrontation with the U.S.: “First, no nuclear weapons, and second, stop killing protesters.”
The U.S. is continuing to strengthen its forces near Iran, with the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln entering the region. At the end of last week, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that the carrier had begun operations in the Arabian Sea.
“Trump often says he has sent fleets... but the Iranian people will never be intimidated by these,” Khamenei added.
Iran is expected to begin two days of live-fire naval exercises starting this Sunday in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important shipping lanes and a key energy transit route.
About one-fifth of the world's traded oil passes through this strait, which narrows to just 33 kilometers between Iran and Oman. Iran has previously threatened to close the strait if attacked.
The U.S. has warned Iran to avoid “unsafe and unprofessional behavior” toward U.S. forces in the area.
In response, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, “The U.S. military is trying to dictate how our powerful military should conduct exercises in its own territory.”
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Source:bbc